GHS implementation

In order to monitor the status of implementation of the GHS, the secretariat has started to collect information publicly available from various sources (reports from members of the GHS Sub-Committee or NGOs, reports submitted to or issued by other United Nations organs, programs or specialized agencies (UNECE, UNITAR, IMO, ICAO, UNEP, WHO, ILO) or other intergovernmental organizations (European Commission, APEC), non-governmental organizations, as well as reports on various workshops, seminars, conferences and other events organized in relation with the implementation of the GHS.

This information has been compiled and summarized, country by country, on this page. Since implementation of the GHS is a dynamic process, this information will be regularly reviewed and completed on the basis of any new information made available.

Several international organizations as well as United Nations programmes and specialized agencies concerned with chemical safety in the field of transport or the environment, occupational health and safety, pesticide management and prevention and treatment of poisoning, are in the process of implementing the GHS by developing, amending or revising their relevant international instruments. Detailed information about the progress of the work in the different areas is given in this page, under "Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines".

Governments, and any other stakeholders, may submit any relevant information using the dedicated contact form. This information will be included on this webpage after verification by the secretariat. Of particular interest are the names of any legal instruments, codes or standards which have been adopted or amended to reflect the provisions of the GHS, their details (date of application, transitional period, publication details, internet address), and name and address of administrations responsible for their implementation.

Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) promotes the implementation of the GHS in the field of pesticides. Several of its guidelines have been revised and include recommendations and guidance for classification and labelling of pesticides in accordance with GHS criteria: These include:

FAO Guidelines for the Registration of Pesticides (2010)

FAO Guidelines on Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides (2015)

FAO Guidelines on Highly Hazardous Pesticides (2016)

Awareness building and training of pesticide regulators, pesticide manufacturers and distributors, and pesticide users on the GHS, through FAO pesticide management programmes and in cooperation with others

All FAO available guidelines for the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on Pesticide management are available at the FAO website.

WHO has updated the Recommended Classification of pesticides by hazard to take account of the GHS criteria. Its latest edition (2009) uses revised classification criteria which take account of the GHS categories for acute oral and dermal toxicity. The GHS acute oral toxicity category for each pesticide is also now presented in the publication.

WHO started to include GHS classifications in new and updated ISCs in April 2006. A new database for producing and disseminating ICSCs has been developed. Where relevant, the classification criteria for the GHS are now incorporated in the decision process for determining the information which appears on each ICSC. The ICSCs have been identified as a mechanism for making GHS classifications of chemicals more widely available.

(a) International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code); (b) ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI); (c) European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR); (d) Regulations concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID); (e) European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN);

For the transport of dangerous goods, the GHS is implemented through the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the following transport legal international instruments:

Figures 1 and 2 summarize the relationship between the different revised editions of the GHS and the UN Model Regulations and its related transport legal instruments.

Table 1 summarizes the status of implementation of the GHS (Rev.5), by hazard class, through the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Rev.18) and the major legal instruments regulating transport of dangerous goods.

Amendment 37-14 is harmonized (except as otherwise specified in table 1) with the 18th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and will come into force on 1 January 2016 for two years although it may be applied in whole or in part, on a voluntary basis as from 1 January 2015. The IMDG Code is of mandatory application for 162 countries parties to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

AIR TRANSPORT:

ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TI)

The 2015-2016 edition of the ICAO TI is harmonized (except as otherwise specified in table 1) with the 18th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and became applicable on 1 January 2015. The ICAO TI are of mandatory application for the 191 countries parties to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

LAND TRANSPORT:

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) (48 Contracting Parties) . The annexed regulations are also of mandatory application for domestic traffic in EU and EEA countries through European Directive 2008/68/EC (see note 1) and in the Russian Federation (Ordinance No.272 of 15 April 2011).

Regulations concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) (43 Contracting Parties) (also of mandatory application for domestic traffic in EU and EEA countries through European Directive 2008/68/EC (see note 1)).

European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) At present, the Agreement has 18 Contracting Parties.

The Annexed Regulations are also of mandatory application for domestic traffic in EU and EEA countries through European Directive 2008/68/EC (see note 1) only for countries which are not linked by inland waterway to other EU countries.

The 2015 edition of RID/ADR/ADN (applicable since 1 January 2015) is harmonized except as otherwise specified in table 1 with the 18th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations.

Note 1: Directive 2008/68/EC applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road, by rail or by inland waterways within or between EU Member States. It makes direct reference to the relevant legal instruments implementing the provisions of the UN Model Regulations on the transport of Dangerous Goods by road, rail and inland waterways (i.e.: the European Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by road (ADR) and by inland waterways (ADN) and the Regulation concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail (RID)).

The Directive entered into force on 20 October 2008. It continues to make ADR and RID applicable to road/rail transport of dangerous goods in the EU, and requires those States with inland waterways linked, by inland waterways, to waterways of other member States to apply the regulations annexed to ADN as from 1 July 2009 and at the latest by 1 July 2011 whether or not they are Parties to the ADN.Following its adoption, the following directives were repealed:

Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC (as amended) on the transport of dangerous goods;

Directives 96/35/EC and 2000/18/EC on dangerous goods safety advisers; and

Commission Decisions 2005/263/EC and 2005/180/EC (as amended) on national derogations from Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC.

The annexes to the Directive are regularly adapted to take account of the amendments made to ADR/RID/ADN every two years. These adaptions are usually referred to as "adaptations to scientific and technical progress" (see Commission Directives 2010/61/EU of 2 September 2010, 2012/45/EU of 3 December 2012 and 2014/103/EU of 21 November 2014). For further information on European Union legislation on inland transport of dangerous goods refer to the European Commission website.

Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal

A joint correspondence working group between the Open-Ended working group of the Basel Convention on hazard characteristics and the Sub-Committee of experts on the GHS was established in 2005. The terms of reference of the correspondence group may be found in document UN/SCEGHS/9/INF.21.

Since the work assigned to the group was not completed at the end of the period 2005-2006, the Conference of the Parties decided (at its 8th meeting, which was held in Nairobi in December 2006) to extend the mandate of the Joint Correspondence Group so as to allow the work be continued during the biennium 2007-2008.

Information regarding the work of the joint correspondence group is available on the Basel Convention website (http://www.basel.int/techmatters/) under the heading "Hazard characteristics H10, H11". The Secretariat of the Basel Convention reports regularly on the progress of the work of the joint correspondence group to the Sub-Committee of experts on the GHS.

Argentina

GHS implementation milestones

Transport of dangerous goods

For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines The Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) are applying an agreement on the inland transport of dangerous goods (Acuerdo sobre Transporte de Mercancías Peligrosas en el MERCOSUR, 1994) which is based on the 7th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and which is being updated on the basis of the 12th revised edition.

Other sectors

The Institute for the Standardization and Normalization (IRAM) published in 2006 a standard for the elaboration of Safety Data Sheets (IRAM 41400-2006) which is in line with the GHS requirements for SDS. At regional level, as one of the members of the MERCOSUR Ad Hoc Group on chemicals (Environmental Area, sub-group 6) Argentina has identified GHS implementation as one of the six issues of highest priority in the region.

Workplace

In 2015, the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security published Resolution N° 801/2015 of 10 April 2015 approving the GHS implementation at the workplace. In order to allow stakeholders enough time to implement GHS provisions, article 6 of the resolution establishing its entry into force 180 days after its publication in the official journal, was amended by Resolution SRT 3359/2015 of 29 September 2015. The amended resolution establishes that the resolution implementing GHS will enter into force as from:

- 15 April 2016 for substances; and- 1 January 2017 for mixtures

Additional information (in Spanish only) can be found at the SRT website

Australia

Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws consisting of a model WHS Act, supported by model WHS Regulations and model Codes of Practice and a National Compliance and Enforcement Policy. The model laws and supporting instruments are given legal force through their adoption in Australian States and Territory workplace laws. The model WHS Regulations adopt the third revised edition of the GHS for chemical hazard classification and hazard communication on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADGC) sets out the requirements for transporting dangerous goods by road or rail. It is given legal force in each Australian state and territory by laws that incorporate the code as law. The Australian Dangerous Goods Code is updated every two years, with a one year transition period for each edition. Its last version is Edition 7.5 (2017).

For domestic land transport, edition 7.4 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code (ADG7.4) has been implemented in all jurisdictions in Australia.

Edition 7.5 is aligned to the 19th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and also includes specific provisions that better reflect current Australian practices and conditions. Edition 7.5 can be used from 1 March 2017 and is compulsory from 1 March 2018. Until then, either the Code edition 7.4 or the Code edition 7. 5 can be used.

Workplace

Implemented

Australia has implemented the third revised edition of the GHS for chemical classification and hazard communication requirements for workplace chemicals.

Six states and territories have implemented GHS through the Work Health Safety (WHS) Regulations. Implementation in three other jurisdictions is expected during 2017, although the GHS is already recognised in these states through other workplace legislation.

Consumer goods, human therapeutics, cosmetics, toiletries and some veterinary chemicals are exempted from the GHS labelling requirements under the model WHS Regulations. Agricultural and veterinary chemicals registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) are partially exempted from GHS labelling requirements (only hazard and precautionary statements are required to be included if they are not already on the approved APVMA label).

During the transitional period (1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016), manufacturers and importers were allowed to use either the GHS for classification, labelling and safety data sheets, or the previous hazardous substances and dangerous goods based classification systems.

From 1 January 2017, manufacturers and importers of workplace chemicals must classify and prepare labels and safety data sheets according to the GHS. Suppliers may continue to supply existing stock-in-trade after 1 January 2017 providing the chemical was manufactured or imported prior to 1 January 2017 and correctly labelled at that time. Suppliers will need to provide GHS compliant safety data sheets from this date. Users of hazardous chemicals are not required to re-label or dispose of existing non-GHS labelled stock.

Policy agreement to adopt the sixth revised edition of the GHS., although a timeframe for adoption has not yet been defined.

The ANDEAN Community (Comunidad Andina) (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) have developed draft regulations based on the 13th revised edition of the UN Model regulations, the ADR 2005 and the RID 2005, which are still under consideration.

Other sectors

2014

GHS Planning and Inception Workshop held on 2 and 3 June 2014. Situation and gap analysis as well as a first draft for a national implementation plan expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The 12th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations has been implemented through national legislation.

GHS implementation status (other sectors )

2001-2006:

Sectorial diagnostics and comparative studies were carried out by many public and private institutions with the objective of identifying current gaps in existing legislation. Situation and gap analysis completed during this period.

2007-2008:

Implementation of the methodology for the application of the Comprehensibility Testing Study. Release of the following draft standards based on the GHS for public consultation: - Project 10:101.05-002: Labelling of chemicals; - Project 10:101.05-003: Classification of chemicals; - Project 10:101.05-004: Terminology; - Project ABNT NBR 14725: Update of the SDS.

Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Darussalam is in the process of undertaking a situation and gap analysis to review the current chemical management system as a whole.

Several challenges are needed to both chemicals management and GHS implementation. First, present regulations are confined to pesticides. Second, controls on other chemicals are based on institutional measures, where a number of various agencies deal with chemicals, but need further coordination. Third, the majority of industry is small and medium size enterprises which lack capacity. Fourth, labelling awareness among stakeholders and users is low.

There are opportunities for GHS implementation, but the first step is to review the overall chemical management system.

Cambodia

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Ministry of Industry, Mine and Energy; Ministry of Public Works and Transportation; Ministry of Health, Labour and Occupational Training;

GHS implementation milestones (all sectors)

From 2006 to 2008, Cambodia participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme. The programme was established for the development of a draft GHS legislation (Sub-Decree) for four sectors (industrial workplace, agriculture, transport, and consumer products) and the development of a strategic plan for national GHS implementation. It also included the organization of awareness raising activities for public interest, labour organizations, business and industry groups.

ImplementedThe Hazardous Products Act has been amended, and the WHMIS requirements (WHMIS 1988) for hazard classification and communication set out in the Controlled Product Regulations and the Ingredient Disclosure List repealed and replaced with new regulations, the Hazardous Products Regulations. This modified WHMIS is referred to as WHMIS 2015 and is based on the 5th revised edition of the GHS.

From now on until 31 May 2017, suppliers (manufacturers and importers) can use either WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015 to classify and communicate the hazards of their products. Beginning 1 June 2017 to 31 May 2018, distributors and suppliers importing for their own use can continue to use WHMIS 1988 or WHMIS 2015.

Detailed information on transitional periods and on the provisions of the WHMIS 2015 is available at the Health Canada website.

Technical Guidance on the Requirements of the Hazardous Products Act (HPA) and the Hazardous Products Regulations (HPR) – WHMIS 2015 Supplier Requirements is available. This document also provides suppliers with information on the Hazardous Materials Information Review Act (HMIRA) and its regulations and the mechanism to protect confidential business information (CBI) in Canada. A copy of the guidance can be requested here.

The regulations, as amended, are based on the 14th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations (except for the Dangerous Goods List, which will be updated to the 15th revised edition in Amendment 8). Detailed information about the regulatory proposals under development is available at Transport Canada website.

Draft Regulation for the storage of hazardous chemicals (Anteproyecto de Reglamento de Almacenamiento de Sustancias Químicas Peligrosas) released for public consultation.

2012 and beyond (expected activities and outcomes):

Establishment of GHS coordination committee with participation of representatives from the government and private and public sectors.A 3-day introductory workshop on the GHS was conducted in 2012. Situation and gap analysis study already initiated (expected to be completed during the first half of 2013), prior to the development of a National Strategy for GHS implementation. Several training workshops on GHS (based on UNITAR’s GHS basic training course) are expected to be conducted from June to August 2013.Development of a GHS dedicated website (www.ghs-chile.cl) with information about GHS-related initiatives already undertaken, planned or being conducted in the country.

China

Focal point:

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT)

GHS implementation status

Transport of dangerous goods

Implemented

Two national standards consistent with the 16th revised edition of the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: - GB 12268-2012: List of dangerous goods- GB 6944-2012: Classification and code of dangerous goods

At the 8th session of the Tripartite Environmental Ministers Meeting (TEMM) held in Beijing, the ministers of the environment of China, Japan and Korea agreed on the establishment of a Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management, which includes holding regular meetings of a working group of experts on the GHS. First meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Tokyo).

2008:

Release of a draft national standard (“General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals”) implementing the GHS classification and labelling criteria (GHS Rev.2). The new standard replaces GB 13690-1992 and makes reference to safety rules GB20576 to 20602 for classification, precautionary labelling and precautionary statements of chemicals, in accordance with the GHS hazard classes and categories adopted.

Release of a draft national standard (“General rules for preparation of precautionary labels for chemicals”) replacing GB/T 15258-94 and GB15258-99 and applying GHS precautionary labelling.

GB/T 22234-2008 “Labelling of chemicals according to the GHS”. Adopts the contents of the Japanese standard “JIS Z 7251:2006”;

GB/T 17159 Guidance for the preparation of SDS in accordance with the GHS.

Second meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Seoul).

2009 - 2010:

Publication of the following standards implementing the GHS :

GB 190-2009 (packaging): implements the 15th revised edition of the UN recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods

GB T 16483–2008: Safety Data Sheet for chemical products content and order of sections (applicable as from 1 February 2009)

GB 15258–2009: General rules for preparation of precautionary labels for chemicals (applicable as from 1 May 2010)

GB 13690–2009 General rule for classification and hazard communication of chemicals (applicable as from 1 May 2010).

2013:

Publication of 28 GHS complusory national standards (GB 30000-2013) fully aligned with GHS Rev.4. These standards replace current national standards (GB 20576-2006 to GB 20602-2006) and introduce two new hazards classes: Aspiration hazard and hazardous to the ozone layer. The implementation date for the new standards is 1 November 2014.

GB 30000.2-2013: Explosives

GB 30000.3-2013: Flammable gases

GB 30000.4-2013: Aerosols

GB 30000.5-2013: Oxidising gases

GB 30000.6-2013: Gases under pressure

GB 30000.7-2013: Flammable liquids

GB 30000.8-2013: Flammable solids

GB 30000.9-2013: Self-reactive substances and mixtures

GB 30000.10-2013: Pyrophoric liquids

GB 30000.11-2013: Pyrophoric solids

GB 30000.12-2013: Self-heating substances and mixtures

GB 30000.13-2013: Substances and mixtures which in contact with water release flammable gases

The ANDEAN Community (Comunidad Andina) (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) have developed draft regulations based on the 13th revised edition of the UN Model regulations, the ADR 2005 and the RID 2005, which are still under consideration.

National transport of dangerous goods by road is regulated in Colombia by Decree 1609 of 31 July 2002. The Ministry of Transport is currently working on the revision and updating of the Decree to implement the provisions of the 18th edition of the UN Model Regulations. As part of the update, the Ministry is considering adopting some of the provisions of ADR for road transport as well as developing national legislation for the transport of dangerous goods by rail and inland waterways. In addition, a resolution making mandatory the certification of drivers of vehicles for the transport of dangerous goods was issued in May 2014 (Resolution 1223 of 14 May 2014).

Work on the revision of the national standards establishing the requirements for the construction, testing and approval of packagings for the transport of dangerous goods (NTC 4702-1 to 9) is also ongoing under the leadership of the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC). It is expected that the standards will be aligned with the provisions for construction, testing and approval in Part 6 of the 18th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations.

Other sectors:

2013-2014

Colombia is working on the development of a national GHS implementation strategy. Two workshops on GHS were held (one in December 2013 and a second one in May 2014), during which existing gaps and needs for GHS implementation were identified and a series of actions for the development of the national implementation strategy were recommended. The conclusions and recommendations from the second workshop are to be presented to the National Bureau for Chemical Safety for further action and follow-up.

A GHS workshop was organized by the Ministry of the Environment in March 2006.

National Technical Standard NTE INEN 2-266:2000 (Transport, storage and handling of hazardous materials-Specifications) has been revised in 2009 to incorporate GHS pictograms for packaging and labelling. The revised edition of the standard (NTE INEN 2-266:2000 (Primera revisión)) became mandatory in November 2009 (Official registry No. 107 of 13 January 2010).

During 2005-2007, Gambia participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme with the National Environment Agency serving as the coordinating organization at national level. Committee membership included key governmental departments as well as representatives of business and industry, and public interest and labor organizations.

A proposal for follow-up on GHS implementation activities was accepted for funding through the SAICM Quick Start Programme Trust Fund. It is expected that the next phase of GHS Capacity Building activities will focus on legal implementation and development of enforcement mechanisms.

Guatemala is starting the process of implementing the GHS as one of the tools included in the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) plan of implementation for the development of a rationalized approach for chemicals management. A project for the implementation of GHS financed by the Quick Start Programme of SAICM was initiated in 2013.

A Planning and Inception Workshop was held on 19-23 February 2014. As follow-up activities (from the legislative point of view) two governmental agreements (“Acuerdo gubernativo”), one for GHS implementation and another one for implementation of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of dangerous goods, are foreseen.

Other activities include the development of a national training strategy addressed to all sectors involved (industry, government and civil society).

Indonesia

Focal points:

Department of Industry Department of Transportation Department of Agriculture Department of Trade Department of Health National Agency for Drug and Food Control Department of Manpower and Transmigration Ministry of Environment

Main relevant legislation:

Decree of Ministry of Industry No.87/M-IND/PER/9/2009 concerning Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of ChemicalsDecree of Ministry of Industry No.23/M/-IND/PER/4/2013 concerning the review of Decree of Ministry of Industry No.87/M-IND/PER/9/2009Decree of Director General of Agrochemical Industry No.21/IAK/PER/4/2010 concerning Technical Training on GHS implementation for classification and labelling of chemicals

GHS implementation milestones (all sectors)

Transport of Dangerous Goods

ImplementedNational legislation for land transport of dangerous goods in Indonesia is based on the 14th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and entered into force on 1 January 2007.

Decree of Ministry of Industry No.23/M/-IND/PER/4/2013 (based on the 4th revised edition of the GHS) became applicable on 12 April 2013 (This decree was issued as a revision of Decree of Ministry of Industry No.87/M-IND/PER/9/2009 issued on March 2010).

Transitional periods for implementation:- As from 12 July 2013: Single substances both for domestic production and import are required to comply with the GHS (classification, labelling and SDS provisions)- As from 31 December 2016: Mixtures (both for domestic production and import) will be required to comply with GHS provisions. GHS provisions may be applied on a voluntary basis before that date

2005:

Participation (from 2005 – 2007) as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme; Establishment of a National GHS Implementation Committee; Completion of the Situation and Gap Analysis study; Completion of the comprehensibility testing;

2006:

Issuance of two ministerial decrees in line with GHS provisions:

Minister of Trade Decree No. 04/2006 on Distribution and Control of Hazardous Substances (covering 54 chemicals potentially misused in food).

Minister of Industry Decree No. 24/2006 on Control of Production and Usage of Hazardous Substance for Industry (covering 6 chemicals substances)

Developing draft of Presidential Decree on GHS implementation. Developing comic referred to the GHS pictograms. Developing booklet on the basis of GHS provisions. Starting translation of the GHS into Indonesian.

Peer review of the draft of GHS translation into Indonesian. Final draft of GHS translation into Indonesian completed and publicized. Issuance of Presidential Decree on GHS implementation. Revision of other chemical regulations to be accordance with the Presidential Decree. Undertaking GHS trainings for industries and government officers. Developing a new comic on GHS. Development of technical guidance/material for the implementation of the GHS (industry and consumer products) Determining a list of priority chemicals for GHS implementation in industry, agriculture and consumer product sectors. Law enforcement.

Israel

GHS implementation status

Transport of dangerous goods

ImplementedFor national transport of dangerous goods by road, although Israel has not yet formally ratified the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and its protocol, it implements most of the provisions in practice.For international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines.

Other sectors

Israel notified the World Trade Organization on 3 December 2013 of a draft revision of standard SI 2302 parts 1 “Dangerous substances and preparations: Classification, packaging, labelling and marking “ and 2 “Dangerous substances and preparations: Transportation, classification, packaging, labelling and marking” which will implement the GHS in Israel. Public consultation was closed on February 2014. Comments received during the consultation period are under consideration.

Effort-obligation (ordinance): labelling and SDS for all other hazardous chemicals (excluding environmental hazards).

Sixth revised edition of the GHS available in Japanese.

GHS classification results are available on the website of the National Institute Technology and Evaluation (NITE).

GHS classification tool for mixtures as well as other support tools are available on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

International Cooperation

The ASEAN-Japan Chemical Safety Database (AJCSD) is being developed under AMEICC Working Group on Chemical Industries which consists of representatives from ASEAN countries and JAPAN. AJCSD can provide useful information both for government and industry to implement and improve their chemical management such as regulatory information and GHS classification results of member countries. The database is on a trial phase and can be accessed for free at: http://www.ajcsd.org/top. It is expected that the database be fully operational in April 2016.

Under the “Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Republic of Vietnam on Strengthening of Risk-based Chemical management System in Vietnam”, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) provided the GHS classification tool for mixtures which is translated into Vietnamese. METI also provided the English version of the tool to Indonesia.

An analysis of national legislation related to classification and labelling of chemicals has been carried out and a draft governmental decree on GHS implementation based on the results of the analysis has been prepared. Development of a national GHS implementation strategy is on-going.

Lao People's Democratic Republic has drafted the Hazardous Chemical Strategic Plan for 2006-2020 and the Hazardous Chemical Action Plan for 2006-2010. These Plans are designed to provide a framework for the safe and effective management of chemicals.

In terms of the GHS, Lao People's Democratic Republic has begun to draft a project proposal and has set up a National Steering Committee. The results of the comprehensibility training (held in October 2006) as well as those of the situation and gap analysis were used for the development of GHS implementation activities during 2007.

Sectoral implementation plans for health, agriculture and industry as well as a National Implementation Strategy for the transport sector were completed during 2009.

A decree stipulating principles, rules and measures for controlling all activities relating to import, export, production, distribution, storage, use and disposal of pesticides was issued and translated into English. Several awareness raising activities were also conducted during 2009.

Madagascar

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Forests made presentations on the GHS during workshops on chemical conventions and the IFCS held in Madagascar in 2004. The workshops attracted a wide range of public and private sector participants, included from industry, health, labour and agriculture. These presentations served as a key awareness raising tool for the new system.

Malaysia

Focal points:

Lead agency: Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Ministry of Human Resources– Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Ministry and Department of Agriculture. Pesticides Board Ministry of Transport Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs

The Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Labelling and Safety Data Sheet of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 2013 (CLASS Regulations) were published in the Federal Gazette (http://www.federalgazette.agc.gov.my/) on 11 October 2013. They are based on the 3rd revised edition of the GHS.

The CLASS Regulations, promulgated under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (Act 514), replaced the Occupational Safety and Health (Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals) Regulations 1997 (CPL Regulations) Their main objective is to ensure suppliers of hazardous chemicals provide sufficient information on hazards of chemicals that they supply, so as to mitigate the risk of accidents happening in the workplace, thus providing a safe and healthy working environment and condition.

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health issued in 2013 an “Industry Code of Practice on Chemical Classification and Hazard Communication” to provide guidance to suppliers on self-classification of chemicals as well as on preparation of labels and Safety Data Sheets according to the CLASS Regulations. The Code of Practice also provides in its Part 1 a list of chemicals classified in accordance with the GHS. This classification is mandatory.

ImplementedOn 9 October 2015, the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare published Mexican Official Standard NOM-018-STPS-2015 “Harmonized System for the Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace” (Sistema armonizado para la identificación y comunicación de peligros y riesgos por sustancias químicas peligrosas en los centros de trabajo). This standard implements the 5th revised edition of the GHS in Mexico for the workplace.

The standard establishes a transitional period for implementation of three years following its publication in the Mexican Official Gazette (Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF)). During the transitional period, employers have the choice to comply with the previous standard NOM-018-STPS-2000 (System for the Identification and Communication of Hazards and Risks of Hazardous Chemical Substances in the Workplace), or with the new one (NOM-018-STPS-2015). With the entry into force of the new standard in October 2018, standard NOM-018-STPS-2000 (published on 27 October 2000) and amendments thereto (of 2 January 2001 and 6 September 2013) will be repealed.

0n 3 June 2011, a national standard (NMX-R-019-SCFI-2011) based on the 3rd revised edition of the GHS was published in the Official Gazette. It may be applied as from the day following its publication (i.e. 4 June 2011). The standard establishes the criteria for the classification and labelling of chemicals and the preparation of Safety Data Sheets according to the GHS and contains 13 chapters and six annexes. Although the standard is not mandatory, it is authorized to be used as an alternate means to comply with the provisions of Chapters 7 and 8 of the mandatory standard NOM-018-STPS-2000, addressing the identification of chemical hazards and its related hazard communication at the workplace.

Myanmar

Myanmar established the National Commission for Environmental Affairs, in 1990. Among its programs, Myanmar has adopted Agenda 21, one part of which is to promote the environmentally sound management of toxic chemicals and hazardous waste. There is no specific institution assigned to the task of overall management of chemicals and waste, but there are a number of existing frameworks in legislation, classification and labelling standards that could accommodate the GHS.

Myanmar is currently preparing to revise existing legislation and administrative procedures to implement the GHS.

The requirements for controlling the transport of dangerous goods on land are based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (UNRTDG). The principal New Zealand legislation in this area is the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO) and the regulations made under that Act. These impose requirements for all phases of the life cycle of hazardous substances. Generally, regulations made under the HSNO recognise compliance with the Rule as compliance with HSNO for land transport.

The Land Transport Rule: Dangerous Goods 2005 (the Dangerous Goods Rule), which entered into force on 27 June 2005, covers the packaging, identification and documentation of dangerous goods; the segregation of incompatible goods; transport procedures and the training and responsibilities of those involved in the transport of dangerous goods. The Rule’s requirements are applied according to the nature, quantity and use of the goods.

Since its entry into force, the Rule has been amended twice: Dangerous Goods Amendment 2010 (Rule 45001/2) and Dangerous Goods Amendment 2011 (Rule 45001/3). Changes to the Rule are mainly of a minor technical nature, but are intended to ensure that uniformity is maintained with international maritime and aviation codes for the transport of dangerous goods. Revision of the Rule takes into account amendments to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods - Model Regulations and aligns transport controls with regulations made under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, which imposes controls for all phases of the life cycle of hazardous substances.

Other sectors:

Implemented since 2 July 2001.

Legislation applicable to all (new and existing) substances since 1 July 2006.

For labelling, in order to better align New Zealand’s implementation timetable for GHS with those of its major trading partners, an additional provision will allow for acceptance of labelling in accordance with the requirements of specified overseas jurisdictions until the end of 2010.

For SDS, the Safety Data Sheet code of practice (HSNOCOP 8-1) adopts the 16 header SDS format and is consistent with the guidance provided in Annex 4 of the GHS.

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996 and related regulations control the import, manufacture or use (including disposal) of manufactured chemicals that have hazardous properties. The hazardous properties (defined in accordance with GHS criteria) are: explosive; flammable; oxidizing; toxic; corrosive; and ecotoxic.

HSNO controls apply at all stages in the manufacture, use and disposal of hazardous substances. Regulations cover: packaging; disposal; tracking; personnel qualifications; emergency management; and identification.

ERMA New Zealand, in conjunction with the Ministry for the Environment, has initiated work towards the revision of the hazardous substances classification framework under the HSNO Act (the Hazardous Substances (Minimum Degrees of Hazard) Regulations 2001 and the Hazardous Substances (Classification) Regulations 2001) to bring it into line with the 3rd revised edition of the GHS.

A chemical classification information database (CCID) containing chemicals classified by ERMA New Zealand in accordance with HSNO regulations (which are based on the GHS) is available. Classifications are provided for both the physical hazards (explosiveness, flammability, oxidizing capacity, metal corrosiveness) and biological hazards (toxicity, biological corrosiveness and ecotoxicity) of a chemical. The HSNO hazard classification system is substantially equivalent to the United Nations Globally Harmonized System for classification of chemicals (GHS): see the correlation of the HSNO classification categories with those of the GHS.

There is also an Inventory of Chemicals (NZIoC) which contains the list of chemicals for which notification and approval is required according to Part 6A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act 1996.

A National GHS Planning Meeting was held in 2005 to discuss infrastructure and development of the GHS project. The National GHS Coordinating Agency is the Federal Ministry of Environment and members of the GHS Implementation Committee include key governmental departments and representatives of business and industry, and public interest and labour organizations.

Nigeria has being working since April 2006 in the development of a harmonized Hazardous Chemicals Management Bill. The draft Act was subject to a sectoral review process for multi-stakeholder input during the first quarter of 2007. This process lead to the development of a strategic plan for national GHS implementation in 2008.

The Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) are applying an agreement on the inland transport of dangerous goods (Acuerdo sobre Transporte de Mercancías Peligrosas en el MERCOSUR, 1994) which is based on the 7th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and which is being updated on the basis of the 12th revised edition.

The ANDEAN Community (Comunidad Andina) (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) have developed draft regulations based on the 13th revised edition of the UN Model regulations, the ADR 2005 and the RID 2005, which are still under consideration.

Philippines

Focal points:

Agencies responsible for GHS implementation:

Board of Investments (BOI): lead agency, responsible for coordinating, monitoring and providing guidance on the implementation of GHS.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB): responsible for the preparation of implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for industrial chemicalsDepartment of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC): responsible for drafting the amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) for GHS implementation in the workplace;Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC): responsible for the development of information materials and training modules on GHS for capability building of concerned government and private sector;Food and Drug Administration (FDA): responsible for the preparation of IRR for consumer chemicals;Bureau of Product Standards (BPS): responsible for the preparation of label standards for chemical substances and mixtures for consumer products.Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) through its several attached agencies: responsible for the implementation of GHS in the transport sector through the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP): in-charge of emergency response, responsible for drafting the amendments to the IRR of the Revised Fire Code of the Philippines. Also responsible in the conduct of inspection and in prescribing safety measures on the storage, handling and/or use of explosives or of combustible, flammable, toxic and other hazardous materials.Bureau of Customs (BOC): responsible for monitoring the import and export of all kinds of chemical substances, mixtures and products, except in economic zones.Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA): responsible for monitoring inside the economic zones the importation and export of all kinds of chemical substances, mixtures and products.

A GHS Joint Administrative Order for the adoption and implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS JAO) was approved by the eight governmental agencies involved in GHS implementation on 25 May 2009 ("Adoption and Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals", Administrative order No.1, Series of 2009). The GHS JAO requires implementing agencies to draft or revise their respective implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) or department orders, as the case may be, to incorporate the provisions of GHS. It also specifies the duties and responsibilities of the GHS implementing and coordinating government agencies in the adoption of the GHS classification criteria, labelling, and SDS requirements.

The Bureau of Working Conditions has already finalized draft amendments to Rule 1090 of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) entitled “Hazardous Materials” for GHS implementation in the workplace. The draft will be presented to the stakeholders in a tripartite consultation, after which the same will be published for the information of all concerned.

The Bureau of Customs issued a Memorandum Circular (CMC) to implement the provisions of GHS (effective on 15 July 2009).

IEC materials on GHS such as pictogram, posters, brochures, resource CD and chemical safety tips were reproduced and distributed by the government, industry and civil society. An information campaign through different media (radio, TV and focus group discussions and media releases) was also made to broaden the reach for public awareness.

The Department of Labor and Employment issued on 28 February 2014 the "Guidelines for the implementation of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) in chemical safety program in the workplace" (Department order No.136-14). The guidelines apply to all workplaces engaged in the manufacture, use, storage of industrial chemicals, in the private sector, including their supply chain.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued on 19 May 2015DENR Administrative order N°2015-09 “Rules and procedures for the Implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in preparation of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Labelling requirements of toxic chemical substances”. Compliance with this order for the following chemicals shall be in accordance with the following schedule:

- 2016 : Single substances and compounds covered under the Chemical Control Order (CCO) and the Priority Chemical List (PCL) Chemicals already listed- 2017: High Volume Toxic Chemicals- 2018: Toxic Chemicals under the IATA and IMDG list of Dangerous Goods- 2019: Mixtures

Implemented Industrial Safety and Health Act (ISHA), revised in accordance with the GHS in Dec. 2006 (Notice No.2006-36) revised on Oct. 2009 (Notice No.2009-68) (classification and labelling and GHS-SDS), Toxic Chemicals Control Act (TCCA), revised in accordance with the GHS in July 2008 (Classification and labelling for toxic chemicals). Standard KSM 1069:2006 (Labelling of Chemicals based on GHS)

Transitional periods: Deadline for classification of chemicals under the ISHA: 30 June 2010 for substances and 30 June 2013 for mixtures; (classification and labelling and GHS-SDS). During the transitional period, users may choose to use the revised ISHA (Notice 2009-68), which is based on the GHS, or continue using the previous notice (ISHA, Notice No. 1997-27).

Deadline for classification of existing chemicals according to the revised TCCA: 30 June 2011 for substances and 30 June 2013 for mixtures. Classification and labelling of new substances under the revised TCCA is mandatory since 1 July 2008.

Additional information

2003-2004:

Research projects to analyse the impact of GHS implementation; Creation of an inter-ministerial Committee to coordinate the process of harmonization of existing legislation with the GHS;

2005-2006:

Publication of the first edition of the GHS in Korean; Amendment of the Industrial Safety and Health Act; Revision of public notice of the Ministry of Labor on “Standards for classification and labelling of chemical substances and Material Safety Data Sheets” ; Publication of Standard KSM 1069:2006 (Labelling of Chemicals based on GHS);

2007:

Launching of a GHS classification and labelling project for 2500 chemicals; Publication of the first revised edition of the GHS in Korean; Revision of the Toxic Chemical Control Act in accordance with the GHS; At the 8th session of the Tripartite Environmental Ministers Meeting (TEMM) held in Beijing, the ministers of the environment of China, Japan and Korea agreed on the establishment of a Tripartite Policy Dialogue on Chemicals Management, which includes holding regular meetings of a working group of experts on the GHS. First meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Tokyo).

2008:

Revision of public notice (Notice No. 2008-01) of the Ministry of Labor on “Standards for classification and labelling of chemical substances and Material Safety Data Sheets” in accordance with the second revised edition of the GHS; Extension of the transitional period for reclassification of substances (until 30 June 2010) and mixtures (until 30 June 2013) under the ISHA (Notice No. 2008-29) for classification and labelling and GHS-SDS. Release of a list of 3410 substances classified and labelled according to the GHS (for information only; classification not mandatory); Editing tools for creating SDS according to the GHS (Korean only) and labels (English and Korean); Launching of a GHS classification and labelling project for mixtures; Second meeting of the Tripartite Policy Dialogue (Seoul); Amendment of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act in accordance with the GHS;

2009:

Release of the classification and labelling results and SDS (according to the GHS) for 11377 substances (for information only; classification not mandatory) at www.kosha.or.kr (for members only); Provision of a SDS editing program for mixtures; Provision of a GHS classification and labelling program for substances and mixtures; Capacity building activities: Intensive course on classification and labelling and preparation of SDS;

2010 and beyond

Launching full implementation of GHS in the field of OSH for substances starting from 1 July 2010; Release of the classification and labelling results (according to the GHS) for toxic substances Provision of a SDS editing program for mixtures; Provision of a GHS classification and labelling program for substances and mixtures; Assesment of GHS implementation status in workplaces (handling of substances) (MOL and KOSHA);National Chemicals Information System (NCIS)

The GHS is implemented at national level through the Technical Regulation "On safety of chemical products". This Regulation was adopted on 7 October 2016 through Government Decree No.1019, with a transitional period of 5 years (ending on 1 July 2021) for entry into force. With this regulation the provisions of GHS based national standards (GOSTs) on test methods, classification criteria and hazard communication elements become mandatory.

Transport of dangerous goods

Implemented

For domestic transport by road: Ordinance No.272 of 15 April 2011, requiring the application of Annexes A and B of ADR.

In 2010-2011, 13 standards on testing of chemicals were developed according to the 4th revised edition of the “United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria”

The following GHS national standards were approved to support the Technical Regulation of Customs Union “On Safety of Chemical Products”:GOST 30333-2007 “Chemical production safety passport. General requirements”GOST 31340-2007 “Labelling of chemicals. General requirements”

2011

Approval of the following standards on hazard classification based on the 3rd revised edition of the GHS:GOST R 53856-2010 “Classification of chemical hazards. General requirements”GOST R 53854-2010 “Classification of chemical mixtures for health hazards”GOST R 53857-2010 “Classification of chemicals for environmental hazards. General requirements”GOST R 53858-2010 “Classification of chemical mixtures for environmental hazards”These standards include all GHS hazard classes and categories with slight differences in criteria.

2014-2015

Revision of the standards on classification and labelling for aligning its provisions with the GHS Rev.4:GOST 32419-2013 “Classification of chemicals. General requirements”GOST 32423-2013 “Classification of mixtures (health hazards)”GOST 32424-2013 “Classification of chemicals for environmental hazards. General principles”GOST 32425-2013 “Classification of mixtures (environmental hazards)”GOST 31340-2013 “Labelling of chemicals. General requirements”

Recommendations on the compilation of SDS and labelling:R 50.1.102-2014 “Guidance on the compiling of safety data sheet in according to GOST 30333”R 50.1.101-2014 “Guidance on the selection of precautionary statements for the labelling in accordance with GOST 31340”

More than one hundred standards in accordance with OECD testing guidelines for hazardous chemicals (addressing physical, health and environmental hazards) have been developed in the period of 2013 - 2015.

These standards will become mandatory only after entry into force of the Technical Regulation of Customs Union "on safety of chemical products" (expected in 2017) which is expected to be approved by the end of 2011). The Technical Regulation will define a transitional period (expected to be of 18 months) for the classification and labelling of chemicals according to these new standards.

It is expected that all GHS hazard classes and categories will be implemented.

Additional standards (in accordance with OECD guidelines) on testing of hazardous chemicals due to their physical and chemical properties and of chemicals dangerous for the environment are currently being developed.

Despite the fact that currently all these standards are optional, their requirements are widely fulfilled by industry. SDS in Russia (also called Russian Safety Passport), includes all subsections according to the GHS, with some specific requirements (such as for example expert evaluation and registration with relevant authority (Information and Analysis Center “Safety of substances and materials”)). There are also specific provisions as regards combination of precautionary statements.

Additional information on current and past activities related to the implementation of the GHS in the Russian Federation may be found at the CIS Center website

In 2005, Senegal, with coordination by the Ministry of Environment, initiated its GHS Capacity Building Project, including committee membership from key governmental departments and representatives of business and industry, and public interest and labour organizations. A National GHS Planning Meeting was held to discuss infrastructure and development of the GHS project. As part of the initial activities for the implementation of the GHS, Senegal undertook the national GHS situation and gap analysis and the comprehensibility testing training.

During the first half of 2007, a GHS implementing regulation (standards and "arrêté interministériel") was drafted. The draft text (which addresses the needs of four different sectors: agriculture, transport, industry and consumer goods), as amended (if necessary) by the relevant stakeholders, was expected to be presented for signature to the Ministers of Environment and Industry before the end of 2007.

National legislation implementing the GHS was adopted on 29 June 2010. It was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia on 10 September 2010 and entered into force on 18 September 2010. The competent authority for implementation of this legislation is the Serbian Chemicals Agency.

This GHS implementing legislation aligns Serbian system of classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals with the United Nations Globally Harmonized System (GHS) and is in compliance with EU CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1272/2008). It will follow phase-in introduction of GHS system, allowing a transitional period for re-classification and re-labelling of substances until 30 September 2011 for substances and 31 May 2015 for mixtures.

A lot of GHS capacity building activities were undertaken in the last two years through activities within the project “Chemicals Risk Management in Serbia” with the Swedish chemicals agency in order to establish effective implementation/enforcement of new legislation. A new project (“Assistance in Implementation of Chemical Management system in Serbia”) will start in September 2010. One of main activities under the project will cover the development of sustainable strategy for training on chemicals management, including GHS classification and labelling allowing stakeholders to gain experience with GHS implementation and chemicals management in a practical “learning by doing” approach.

Establishment of a multi-agency public-private GHS implementation taskforce in 2005 to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the GHS in Singapore. All government agencies impacted by GHS as well as chemical industry representatives are members of the taskforce. The GHS implementation taskforce has agreed to focus on training and capacity building. This process of awareness raising started in April 2005 through channels such as business association newsletters, training courses, public seminars and conferences.

2006:

Revision of the Workplace Safety and Health Act to incorporate changes to the Safety Data Sheet requirements. Development of an internet portal to help companies check for SDS compliance.

2007:

Publication of Singapore Standard SS 532:2007 (Code of practice for the storage of flammable liquids).

2008:

Publication of Singapore Standard SS 586 to provide guidance on the classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals in accordance with GHS criteria.

SS 586 is the result of the revision of two earlier standards – SS 286: 1984 on “Caution Labelling for Hazardous Substances” (5 parts) and CP 98: 2003 on “Preparation and Use of Material Safety Data Sheets” (MSDS).

SS586 - 1: 2008 “Transport and storage of dangerous goods” Adopts the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and provides standard hazard communication labels. Applies to the transportation and storage of dangerous goods by road in Singapore.

SS586 - 2: 2008 “Globally harmonized system of classification and labelling of chemicals- Singapore’s adaptations” Adopts the United Nation Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, which provides an international system for the classification of chemicals by the types of hazards that they present. Also provides standard hazard communication elements including labels and safety data sheets.

SS586 - 3: 2008 “Specification for hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods - Preparation of safety data sheets (SDS)”. The standard gives recommendations for the preparation, review, issue and use of SDS in accordance with the GHS.

2014:

Revision of standards SS586, parts 1, 2 and 3 ("Hazard communication for hazardous chemicals and dangerous goods), published on 7 March 2014, to align its provisions with those of the 17th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods and the 4th revised edition of the GHS.

Release of the second revised edition of the "Guidebook on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals". The Guidebook provides additional guidance for GHS classification, labelling and SDS.

South Africa participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme. As part of the programme a study on the implications of implementing the GHS and the development of an implementation strategy for South Africa was concluded in December 2003.

Furthermore this study included an implementation plan for the GHS in South Africa which was prepared under the auspices of the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and co-funded and supported by UNITAR.

2007:

Review of legislation (for classification and labelling of chemicals and Safety Data Sheets) as well as policy instruments to ensure alignment with the GHS requirements.

Development of a national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234) intended to be referred to in the above-mentioned legislation and to be used as the basis for the development of a harmonized SADC standard by the Southern African Community Standardization body (SADCSTAN). Release of a draft regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances for public comment.

2008:

Publication of the national standard on the GHS (SANS 10234:2008 - "Globally Harmonized System of classification and labelling of chemicals")

Completion of the new regulation on Classification and Labelling of Chemical Substances: Comments provided during the public comment period were considered and incorporated into the draft regulation as appropriate. The new regulation has been recommended for promulgation to the Minister of Labour. It provides that compliance with the national standard on the GHS and the current national system is allowed during the transition period so that the transition at a national level is facilitated while at the same time accommodating international trade requirements. The transitional period has been aligned with that of international trading partners and is now 3 years (2012) for substances and 7 years for mixtures (2016).

Publication of a list of classified chemical substances as a supplement to SANS 10234 (SANS 10234 Supplement: 2008 “List of classification and labeling of chemicals in accordance with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS)”).

2009-2010:

Following the promulgation of the GHS regulation, an inter-departmental committee will be established in 2009 by the Department of Labour to develop a coordinated legislative implementation strategy to ensure elimination of overlap of jurisdictional mandates. The harmonized legislative implementation strategy will include compliance and enforcement requirements, appropriate budget allocations, support to industry for transition and establishment of a permanent approach to ongoing input into international discussions and alignment of the effective dates of all legislative amendments.

GHS training will form an integral part of the safety, health and environment (SHE) unit standards currently being developed by a Working Group established by the Chemical Industries’ Education and Training Authority (CHIETA). The training issues raised in the implementation strategy should be referred to the SHE Unit Standard Working Group.

Awareness raising is to be undertaken at all forums dealing with chemical safety and once the Regulations have been promulgated, programmes focused on employers will be launched.

GHS elements will form an integral part of a program of accreditation of Health, Safety and the Environment (HSE). Specific courses to empower workers in understanding the elements of GHS within a specific Occupational Health and Safety focus should be developed.

Beside its support for the Global WSSD GHS Partnership Program, Switzerland has also made progress in implementing GHS in its own country.

In 2006 consensus among all responsible authorities has been reached to implement GHS into Swiss legislation. This intention was also supported by all Swiss companies which have been interviewed in the context of an economic impact assessment. Thereby the implementation of the GHS, harmonised with the European Union in terms of contents, starting time and duration of the overall transition period, was considered as the most favorable option by all stakeholders. To meet these requirements the introduction of GHS in Switzerland will follow a multi-step process.

2009:

On 1 February 2009, entry into force of the amended Swiss chemicals ordinance with a view to facilitate trade of chemicals that are already labelled according to GHS.

The main element of this amendment is an option for Swiss manufacturers/importers to classify and label their chemicals according to the current system or according to the GHS. Once they choose the GHS-option the GHS standard of the EC according to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 is mandatory. However, additional hazard classes of the GHS are accepted on product labels.

At present, the GHS option is limited to products sold to professional users but an extension of the option to consumer products is planned at a later stage and will be supported by additional information for consumers.

2010:

1 December 2010: Entry into force of revised ordinances SR 813.11 (on chemicals) and SR 813.12 (on biocidal products). The revision of the ordinance on chemicals allows the placing on the market of consumer products classified and labelled in accordance with the GHS and defines an overall transitional period for reclassification and labelling of substances (until 1 December 2012) and mixtures (until 1 June 2015), in accordance with European Union’s legislation. The revision of the ordinance on biocidal products allows biocidal products classified and labelled according to the GHS.

In the next years further steps will be necessary to fully implement the GHS. These include:

An obligation to classify and label all substances and mixtures according to GHS, including consumer products, biocides and pant protection products.

The introduction of transitional provisions for the reclassification of substances and mixtures and the abrogation of the current system (by 2015).

Thailand

Focal points:

Ministry of Public Health: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Ministry of Industry: Department of Industrial Works (DIW); Ministry of Transport (MOT);Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC): Department of Agriculture (DOA)

Main relevant legislation:

Hazardous Substance Act of B.E.2535 (1992) Factory Act Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’s Notification Re: Label and toxic level of hazardous substances under Department of Agriculture control 1995 (B.E. 2538) (including the new one to be issued for Livestock Development Department), issued under the Hazardous Substance Act (HZA) Ministry of Public Health’s Notification Re: Labels and toxic levels of hazardous substances under Food and Drug Administration control 1995 (B.E. 2538), issued under HZA Ministry of Industry‘s Notification Re: Duty of Factory Enterprises 1987 (B.E. 2530), issued under Factory Act Ministry of Interior’s Notification Re: Workplace safety related to dangerous substances 1991 (B.E. 2534), now under the responsibility of the Ministry of Labour; Ministry of Industry’s Notification 2000 (B.E. 2543), issued under HZA, by modifying Form Vor Or/Or Kor 3 to be consistent with GHS SDS. Ministry of Industry’s Regulation No. 3, 1992 (B.E. 2535), issued under Factory Act.

Creation of a National GHS Implementation Sub-Committee, under the Hazardous Substance Committee, with the participation of representatives from Government agencies and from stakeholder groups in business and industry, as well as public interest and labour organizations

2005-2006:

Launching of the National GHS Capacity Building UNITAR/ILO project Participation as a pilot country (until 2007) in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme Completion of the Gap analysis study and comprehensibility testing Several GHS awareness raising and capacity building activities (such as seminars, training courses and development of educational/training tools)

2007:

First draft of the Notification of the Hazardous Substance Committee on GHS: System of Hazard Classification and Communication of Hazardous Substances 2007 (B.E.2250). First draft of the Notification of Ministry of Industry 2007 (B.E.2250): System of Hazard Classification and Communication of Hazardous Substances.

from 2008 onwards:

Publication of the first revised edition of the GHS in Thai. Development of GHS training kits, manuals and other guidance material for different sectors. Development of a database for classification and hazard communication of chemicals (industrial sector) according to the GHS. Development of a database of GHS compliant SDS. Development of a database for classification and labelling of agricultural chemicals according to the GHS. Development of a database for classification and labelling of hazardous chemicals (consumer sector) according to the GHS. Capacity building and awareness raising activities for all sectors and audiences.

The Department of Industrial Works (DIW) finalized the drafting of Ministry of Industry’s Notification on System of Hazard Classification and Communication of Hazardous Substances and the attached Provision, based on the 3rd revised edition of the GHS (2009). The final draft was approved by the Hazardous Substance Committee on 3 August 2011 and the notification was published in the Royal Gazette of Thailand in March 2012.Effective from 13 March 2012, the notification is based on the third revised edition of the GHS. It provides a transitional period for implementation from the effective date of entry into force of one year for substances and five years for mixtures (i.e.: substances will have to comply with the GHS provisions from 13 March 2013 and mixtures from 13 March 2017).

During 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized the drafting of Ministry of Public Health’s Notifications for GHS implementation for household or public health use chemicals. The public consultation period concluded in July 2011 and FDA is in the process of completing the process to have the notification submitted for consideration of the Hazardous Substance Committee and its final endorsement by the Ministry of Public Health.

A GHS Training Workshop was held from 20 to 23 September 2011 in Bangkok with the participation of 215 participants from government officials, academic and research institutes, business/industry associations in addition to labour, consumer, and civil society organizations, together with a large number of enterprises.

Thailand is one of the countries participating in a 3-year project funded by the European Union in the context of the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme. The project, which was initiated in January 2010, aims at strengthening national and regional capacities to implement the GHS in countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Turkey

Focal Point

Ministry of Environment and Urbanization: industrial chemicals and coordinationMinistry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock: plant protection productsMinistry of Labour and Social Security: health and safety in the workplaceMinistry of TransportMinistry of Economy: import and export of chemicals

Relevant legislation

By-law on classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and mixtures (11.12.2013/28848) also known as SEABy-law on preparation and distribution of Safety Data Sheets (26.12.2008/27092)

GHS implementation status

Transport of dangerous goods

ImplementedFor international transport of dangerous goods, see Implementation through international legal instruments, recommendations, codes and guidelines

Other sectors

ImplementedSEA by-law implements the European CLP Regulation in Turkey. It is mandatory for substances since 1 June 2015 and will become mandatory for mixtures as from 1 June 2016.

United States of America

On 26 March 2012 the revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) was published in the Federal Register.

The revised HCS is in line with the third revised edition of the GHS. It will become effective on 25 May 2012 although it will not become mandatory until 1 June 2015. During this phase-in period, and to give industry enough time to produce labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) consistent with the revised provisions, employers will be allowed to use at their own discretion, the existing HCS, the revised one, or both.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlined initial thinking on the potential application of the GHS to pesticide labels in a “White Paper” and solicited public comment on their plans through a notice published in the U.S. Federal Register. In October 2006, the EPA conducted a public meeting with stakeholders to review the issues raised in the White Paper and comments, and to solicit additional input on possible ways forward. EPA is reviewing next steps in light of the input received, seeking additional data, and exploring possibilities for GHS pilot activities. In 2007, EPA made major revisions in its communications materials and overhauled its GHS web site. Results of initial pilot activities were expected to become available in 2008.

In 2007, CPSC compared selected portions of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act (FHSA) regulatory requirements to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling. This comparison identified some of the technical differences between the FHSA and GHS. A preliminary legal feasibility assessment was also conducted to assess what, if any, changes would be needed to the FHSA should certain provisions of the GHS be adopted and implemented. The staff work indicated that a more complete technical comparison is needed.

In 2008, CPSC initiated a contract to complete a side-by side comparison of the FHSA and the GHS. This review will determine which sections of the GHS might be considered for implementation, as well as whether statutory or regulatory changes would be necessary for eventual implementation.

The Common Market of the South (MERCOSUR) countries (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) are applying an agreement on the inland transport of dangerous goods (Acuerdo sobre Transporte de Mercancías Peligrosas en el MERCOSUR, 1994) which is based on the 7th revised edition of the UN Model Regulations and which is being updated on the basis of the 12th revised edition.

Workplace

Implemented

Decree 307/009 of 3 July 2009, on protection of health and safety of workers from chemical risks, establishes that labels and Safety Data Sheets shall conform to the GHS. The Decree entered into force on September 2009 (120 days after its publication on the Official Journal) with a transitional period of one year for provisions concerning labelling.

Decree 346/011 of 28 September 2011amends Decree 307/009, among other things, to extend the transitional period for entry into force of labelling provisions and preparation of Safety Data Sheets in accordance with the GHS, as follows:

For substances (labelling): until 31 December 2012

For mixtures (labelling): until 31 December 2017

Decree 346/011 entered into force immediately after its publication and establishes in its article 7 that all industries falling within the scope of decree 307/009 shall design and apply a GHS implementation plan within the 6 months following its entry into force

Other activities

2005-2008:

GHS side event (organized by the Government of Uruguay, in collaboration with UNITAR) during the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-1) of the Stockholm Convention in 2005. The establishment of a classification and labelling system based on the GHS was identified as a priority during the process of elaboration of a National Plan of implementation of the Stockholm Convention.First national workshop on chemical hazard communication (August 2005);GHS included as part of the courses on chemical safety for undergraduates (mandatory) and graduates (Faculty of Chemistry, National University).At regional level, as a member of the MERCOSUR Ad Hoc Group on Chemicals (Environmental Area, Sub-Group 6), Uruguay identified GHS implementation as one of the six issues of highest priority for the region. Launching of the project “National awareness raising and capacity assessment for GHS implementation” with the support of UNITAR/ILO and the government of Switzerland.

2009 - 2011

Second national workshop on chemical hazard communication (April 2009);Publication of Decree 307/009 of 3 July 2009, on protection of health and safety of workers from chemical risks, based on the GHS (includes provisions for labelling and preparation of SDS in accordance with the GHS), implementing the GHS at the workplace. Promotion of the adoption of the GHS at MERCOSUR level, including the amendment and/or development of regional standards and capacity building activities.Publication of Decree 346/011, amending Decree 307/009, notably to extend the transitional period for the implementation of GHS labelling at the workplace.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade issued on 13 February 2012, circular No. 04/2012/TT-BCT, establishing classification and labelling requirements for substances and mixtures in line with GHS. The circular follows a number of earlier pieces of legislation implementing parts of the GHS and stipulates a transitional period for implementation of 2 and 4 years for substances and mixtures, respectively, from its effective entry into force, i.e:

During 2001-2003, Zambia participated as a pilot country in the UNITAR/ILO Global GHS Capacity Building Programme The first phase of the two-year phase pilot project for the implementation of the GHS at national level started in 2001. The results of the comprehensibility tests provided useful information on how to define and improve the hazard protection tools. Existing legislation was reviewed, gaps identified and new legislation drafted. GHS-related activities for a UNITAR/SAICM Secretariat project on Strengthening Capacities for SAICM implementation and supporting GHS capacity building, are expected to take place in 2010-2011.

Zambia, as a country member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has signed the SADC regional policy on GHS. Several activities related to the GHS have been completed (e.g. the updating of national standards on the transport of dangerous goods and on the GHS to reflect the provisions of the 17th revised edition of the Model Regulations and the 4th revised edition of the GHS; the situation and gap analysis and the development of a road map for GHS implementation). Although the road map does not define specific dates, it is expected that implementation for substances will last 3 years, and that implementation for mixtures will follow.

The candidate countries Iceland, Montenegro, Serbia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Turkey already started to implement current legislation.

Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are the members of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA Agreement allows them to participate in the EU Internal Market, while not assuming the full responsibilities of EU membership. All new Community legislation in areas covered by the EEA is integrated into the Agreement through an EEA Joint Committee decision and subsequently becomes part of the national legislation of the EEA EFTA States. This also apply to the EU Regulation which implements the GHS.

For supply and use sectors:Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)

For transport of dangerous goods: within or between EU Member States: Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods

ImplementedDirective 2008/68/EC applies to the transport of dangerous goods by road, by rail or by inland waterways within or between EU Member States. It makes direct reference to the relevant legal instruments implementing the provisions of the UN Model Regulations on the transport of Dangerous Goods by road, rail and inland waterways (i.e.: the European Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods by road (ADR) and by inland waterways (ADN) and the Regulation concerning the international carriage of dangerous goods by rail (RID)).

The Directive entered into force on 20 October 2008. Following its adoption, the following directives were repealed:

Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC (as amended) on the transport of dangerous goods; Directives 96/35/EC and 2000/18/EC on dangerous goods safety advisers; and

Commission Decisions 2005/263/EC and 2005/180/EC (as amended) on national derogations from Directives 94/55/EC and 96/49/EC.

The CLP regulation defines a transitional period during which both the current legislation and the new Regulation will be in place. It stipulates that after entry into force, the deadline for reclassification of substances is 30 November 2010 and 31 May 2015 for mixtures. The Directives on classification, labelling and packaging, i.e. Council Directive 67/48/EEC and Directive 1999/45/EC, will be definitively repealed on 1 June 2015.

Adaptations to technical progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulation

The 8th ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 2016/918) published on 14 June 2016 implements the changes introduced by the 5th revised edition of the GHS. It entered into force on 4 July 2016. The new rules apply from 1 February 2018, but may be applied voluntarily before this date.

The 7th ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1221) published on 24 July 2015 updates the list of substances with harmonized classification and labelling in Part 3 of Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. The new rules entered into force on 14 August 2015 and will apply for substances and mixtures from 1 January 2017 although it may be applied voluntarily before that date.

The 6th ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 605/2014) published on 5 June 2014 includes new or updated harmonised classification and labelling in respect to a number of substances in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation, as well as Croatian translations of all hazard and precautionary statements which are introduced in Annexes III and IV to the CLP Regulation. The new rules entered into force on 26 June 2014. The new/updated entries for harmonised classification and labelling of substances apply from 1 April 2015. The revised language tables including Croatian translations are applicable in respect of substances from 1 December 2014 and in respect of mixtures from 1 June 2015.

The 5th ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 944/2013) includes in Annex VI to the regulation, new or updated harmonized classification and labelling for a number of substances. The new provisions entered into force on 24 October 2013 but would only apply after a transitional period.

The 4th ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 487/2013) aligns the CLP Regulation with the 4th revised edition of the GHS. It was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 1 June 2013 and entered into force on the 20th day following its publication. Its provisions shall apply in respect of substances from 1 December 2014 and in respect of mixtures from 1 June 2015.

The 3rd ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 618/2012) entered into force on 31 July 2012. The new rules apply from 1 December 2013 but may be applied voluntarily before that date. The aim is to update the list of substances with harmonised classification and labelling in Part 3 of Annex VI of the CLP Regulation.

The 2nd ATP (Commission Regulation (EU) No 286/2011) entered into force on 19 April 2011. The text incorporates into the CLP the changes introduced by the 3rd revision of the GHS (e.g.: new sub-categories for respiratory and skin sensitisation, the revision of the classification criteria for long-term hazards (chronic toxicity) to the aquatic environment, and a new hazard class for substances and mixtures hazardous to the ozone layer and labelling provisions to protect individuals already sensitised to a specific chemical that may elicit a response at very low concentration).

The 1st ATP (Commission Regulation (EC) No 790/2009) entered into force on 25 September 2009. It transfers the 30th and 31st ATPs of Directive 67/548/EEC to the Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Suppliers should apply the harmonised classifications set in the 1st ATP and adapting the labelling and packaging provisions accordingly as of 1 December 2010 at the latest but are allowed to apply those harmonised classifications already before that date.

Classification and Labelling Inventory

Article 42 of the CLP Regulation requires the European Chemicals Agency to establish and maintain a classification and labelling inventory in the form of a database (the so-called “Classification and Labelling Inventory”). It contains classification and labelling information on notified and registered substances received from manufacturers and importers. It also includes the list of harmonised classifications (Table 3.1 of Annex VI to the CLP Regulation). The information stored in the inventory is kept up-to-date by the Agency when updated or new information is submitted.

Annex II to the REACH Regulation which provides the requirements for the compilation of safety data sheets has been aligned to the 5th revised edition of the GHS through Commission Regulation (EU) 2015/830 published on 28 May 2015. It applies from 1 June 2015. Safety data sheets provided before 1 June 2015 may continue to be used until 31 May 2017.

Guidance and additional information

Guidance (both for industry and authorities use) on how to apply the provisions of the CLP Regulation is now available at the European Chemicals Agency website.